The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has encouraged members of staff of the commission to remain committed to discipline, sacrifice and professionalism as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir across the country.
In a goodwill message released on Wednesday to mark the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the INEC chairman congratulated Muslim staff members and described the festival as a reminder of obedience, faith and selfless service.
“As the Muslim Ummah celebrates this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, I extend my warmest felicitations to all our Muslim colleagues within the Commission,” he said.
Amupitan noted that the significance of Eid-el-Kabir goes beyond celebration, saying it reflects “the timeless virtues of absolute obedience, selflessness, and supreme sacrifice,” while calling on Nigerians to embrace values that place duty and service above personal interests.
He stated that election management requires commitment and endurance, stressing that officials of the commission must continue to show dedication despite the demanding nature of their responsibilities.
“For us as election managers, the essence of this festival resonates with a very clear, professional urgency.
“The institutional assignment committed to our care by the Nigerian people requires an unmatched level of personal sacrifice and steadfastness. Managing our democracy is a high-stakes, around-the-clock duty that frequently demands long hours away from our families and comfort zones,” he said.
The INEC chairman also reminded staff members of the need to strictly follow the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the commission’s internal regulations in the discharge of their duties.
“Just as the patriarch Abraham demonstrated unflinching obedience to a higher call, we too must remain resolutely compliant with the constitutional guardrails, the Electoral Act, and our administrative codes of conduct,” he stated.
Amupitan explained that the commission is entering an important stage following recent operational assessments in Ekiti State ahead of forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
“This year’s celebration meets the Commission at a vital operational turning point.
“Following our highly successful field engagements and readiness assessments in Ekiti, we are now on the immediate frontline of critical off-cycle governorship polls, even as we systematically consolidate our frameworks for the 2027 General Election,” he stated.
According to him, the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir should inspire the commission to maintain high standards in its electoral operations.
“The lessons of Eid-el-Kabir must therefore serve as the bedrock of our current deployment strategies. Compliance, precision, and surgical execution are non-negotiable standards as we work to eliminate logistical friction and secure the absolute trust of the electorate,” Amupitan said.
He further assured workers that the commission’s leadership would continue prioritising their welfare, safety and institutional support.
“I must reinforce my unwavering pledge to you: your welfare remains the cornerstone of my leadership agenda.
“We are working assiduously to ensure that your dedication on the field is met with the robust welfare packages, security protections, and institutional backing you richly deserve,” he said.
The INEC chairman urged staff members to use the festive period to renew their dedication to nation-building and credible elections.